Forevermore by Denise A. Agnew

Author:Denise A. Agnew [Agnew, Denise A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-942583-32-5
Publisher: Denise A. Agnew

Lily stopped at the arch of the castle and refused to proceed. I didn’t want to push her, so I dismounted and took my sketching materials out of the pouch hanging from her saddle and headed for the entrance on foot. The air was ripe for snow, but I’d bundled against the frosty air that bit at my nose.

I’d only gone a few feet into the entrance when I saw Warwick standing there, as if he’d been waiting exclusively for me. But I was not really startled, because some part of me had hoped he would be here. It was the second time I’d met him here.

“Warwick,” I whispered.

He walked toward me, his smile broad and his hand extended. “Fancy seeing you here again.”

“Do you come here every day?” I smiled as he bowed low over my hand.

“No, but whenever I ride, inevitably I arrive here.”

I moved on, and he followed alongside. The towering walls above us made me feel small and insignificant and left long shadows of darkness along the cold stone floor beneath our feet. I shivered.

“You are chilled, my lady?” He took my arm as we arrived at the spot I usually frequented when I came to sketch.

“I’m fine. I came prepared for the cold.” I moved away, uncertain about letting him touch me.

When I sat down to sketch, Warwick remained close, gazing about the area as if he’d never seen it before. He sat on an outcropping and stared at me.

“Is there something wrong, sir?” I asked.

“Nothing wrong. I was observing how much you concentrate when you draw.”

“It is a strange state to be in. Quinn...Quinn always said I could sit as still as a statue except for my hand as I sketched.”

“May I see what you are drawing?”

I held the pad out, and he moved to sit close. I shifted slightly away, my unease growing as he took the pad from my hand and his gloved fingers brushed my bare skin.

“Very well done,” he said, smiling broadly when he handed it back to me. I thought he might leave his seat, but instead he stayed.

I stood and put some distance between us. I feared he might also stand and come close to me, but instead he perused the area.

“This is such a beautiful place.” He tilted his head back and observed the remaining roof high above. “I’ve often wondered about the family that lived here. But no one really remembers who they were. I recall hearing that the place was built in the early 1300’s.”

“I have heard that as well. But no one will tell me anything else. They simply whisper that people have disappeared here and that all who go here risk being lost forever.”

His smile seemed indulgent, as if he placated a child. “You are certainly not worried about that?”

“No. Though I should be, no doubt.” I said this with lighthearted equanimity. Truthfully, I wasn’t concerned about disappearing, but I knew that if I did, it would be no great loss. Quinn would find another woman who would make him a better wife.

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